The ashes
Preview: Australia, England gear up for Ashes 2017-18 battle
Brisbane, Nov 22 - England and Australia are all set to renew their traditional cricket rivalry when the two sides face off in the first of the five-match Ashes contest at the Gabba here on Thursday.
Led by new captains in Joe Root and Steven Smith, both sides present largely youthful and uncertain batting orders but potent bowling line-ups.
While Australia can boast of the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins along side the skilful and durable off-spinner Nathan Lyon, England have their two greatest ever wicket-takers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but for now at least there is no Ben Stokes, the best performer in an otherwise horrid 2013-14 series.
England, meanwhile will be aware that history is very much against them in their quest to retain the famous urn following their 3-2 win in 2015.
England have won just 23 of the 98 Tests they have played in Australia with the home side winning more than twice as many with 50 victories in all.
Two of the last three Ashes series Down Under have resulted in England being whitewashed 5-0 and the tourists have not won at the Gabba since 1986.
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